Elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bangladesh and ...

7 Asian Journal of Social Science and Management Technology

Asian Journal of Social Science and Management Technology

ISSN: 2313-7410

Volume 3 Issue 2, March-April, 2021

Available at www.ajssmt.com

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Elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bangladesh and

Steps for Future Safeguarding

Dilruba Sharmin, PhD

Assistant Professor, Department of Japanese Studies, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Abstract: This paper presents a new emerging knowledge of the Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) of

Bangladesh along with an initiative to raise consciousness for preservation of the heritages. At present we have

four nominated elements for the „Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity‟ by

UNESCO. Subsequently, UNESCO nominated the „historic 7th March speech‟ delineated by the Father of the

Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the Memory of the World International Register which is a list

of documents having universal significance to ensure preservation for those items. Another two items are under

process for nomination. Besides these, we have many other cultural traditions which could be placed on the

nomination list of UNESCO for safeguarding the ICH. In this paper, some element will discuss as a prospective

ICH for UNESCO nomination as well as some proposal for future safeguarding. To preserve and promote our

ICH, both governmental initiative and public awareness is necessary for preservation and development of this

newly emerging sector.

Keywords: Intangible Cultural Heritage, Art History, Copyright patent, Cultural Safeguarding, UNESCO,

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh.

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1. Introduction

The idea of „Intangible heritage‟ is a relatively unexplored concept to the people of Bangladesh and an important

element of cultural identity of Bangladeshi people. From many centuries of its history, Bangladesh saw different

types of indigenous, religious and tribal cultural heritage of Hindu, Buddhist, Muslims and Christians. From the

mid-3rd

century BCE, the rule of Maurya, Gupta, Pala, Sen, Mughal, and British brought much diversity in

life-style, custom, culture, religion, beliefs and language. A Multi-cultural aspect based on multi-religious

phenomena is the chief components of Bengali culture. And this is the main source of Intangible Cultural

Heritage (ICH) of Bangladesh.

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Fig. 1: Bangladesh: a place of cultural diversity

UNESCO, which is a specialized agency of United Nations, assists its Member States in the amplification and

implementation of capacity for an effective securing of cultural heritage. Among those securing capacity, the

ratification of the Convention for the preserving the Intangible Cultural Heritage was a major step for

developing new cultural heritage policies [1]. In 2001, the „proclamation of masterpieces of the oral and

Intangible Heritage of Humanity‟ was announced through the UNESCO. This initiative has opening to raise

public cognizance on intangible cultural heritage and inspire the local communities to protect ICH and the local

people who help these forms of cultural expressions [2]. In 2003, UNESCO adopted the „Convention for the

Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)‟ (ACCU, Asia-Pacific Cultural Center for UNESCO).

Cultural Heritage is often expressed as either Tangible or Intangible cultural heritage [3]. We can consider the

term of „Tangible Cultural Heritage‟ as a form of architecture, painting, drawing, prints, sculptures and the

objects of decorative arts [4]. On the other hand, according to the General Conference of UNESCO in 2003, the

„Intangible Cultural Heritage‟ defines as „the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well

as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups and, in

some cases, people recognize as part of their cultural heritage. This intangible cultural heritage, transmitted from

generation to generation, is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment,

their interaction with nature and their history, and provides them with a sense of identity and continuity, thus

promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity. For the purposes of this Convention, consideration

will be given solely to such intangible cultural heritage as is compatible with existing international

human rights instruments, as well as with the requirements of mutual respect among communities, groups

and people, and of sustainable development‟ [5].

To ensuring better protection of important ICH worldwide and the awareness of their significance, UNESCO

declared a list of „Intangible Cultural Heritage‟ (ICH) in 2008. Towards the end of 2009, the UNESCO

Convention for the safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage created two lists for more effective work;

(1) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity; (2) List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

in Need of Urgent Safeguarding [6].


Up to 2018, UNESCO nominated ICH Lists have contained 508 elements in total corresponding to 122

countries. Among the South and South East Asian group, India has possessed the highest number of recognized

elements of ICH. The Urgent Safeguarding List now has 35 elements [7].

Bangladesh is a member state of UNESCO from 27 October, 1972. UNESCO asked the member nations to

ratify the convention, and this job Bangladesh did duly in 2009. However, although Dhaka ratifies the

convention, there was hardly any effort made to highlight all other intangible cultural heritages of Bangladesh.

In recent days, Bangladesh is taking step to inventory own ICH. A joint work of UNESCO Dhaka Office and

„Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy‟ was organized a five-day long workshop on community-based intangible

cultural heritage inventoried which was held from 24 - 28 September 2017. This workshop was a part of a series

of capacity-building trainings aiming to strengthening the national institutional capacity of Bangladesh to carry

out the Convention for the Safeguarding of the ICH [8].

This research work is an initiative to present our Intangible Cultural Heritage to the heritage lovers of the

world and propose some steps for keep those ICH. At present, we have listed 4 elements as Intangible Cultural

Heritage of Humanity; theses are: (1) Baul Song, (2) Traditional Art of Jamdani Weaving

(3) Mongal Shovajatra on Pahela Baishakh and (4) Traditional Art of Shital Pati Weaving of Sylhet. In October

30, 2017, we have achieved another nomination from UNESCO; that is „7-March Historic Speech‟

by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who was the Father of our present Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as

well as considered as the Father of Bangladeshi Nation. His great speech showed us the path of Independence.

UNESCO recognizes this historic 7- March Speech as part of the world‟s documentary heritage.

Graph 1: Number of Nominated ICH of the South and South-east Asia

4

12

1 10

10 0 0 0

6

12

0

2

Number of recognized ICH in South and South -east Asian

Countries

2. Rational of the Research

Present research aimed to present a discussion on three major aspects; scenario of the Intangible Cultural

Heritage (ICH) of Bangladesh; a proposal has some new item for the future nomination and; some steps

to keep these heritages. This research is a pertinent initiative to promote the value of Intangible Cultural

Heritage of Bangladesh. In other way, this study can be a first step to raise awareness for urgent safeguarding of

some proposed ICH of Bangladesh. For data collection secondary sources has studied for data collection; such


as, books, journal papers, reputed Newspaper, UNESCO websites and many other sources. This research

addresses a key question: what steps should follow to safeguard our own heritage from extinction? If we want to

represent our intangible cultural heritages and can keep our traditional and valuable identity then one of the best

ways to do this is placed ICH in the UNESCO list. As well as this study is a preliminary work to list

Bangladeshi heritages and this could help future researchers to prepare national inventory.

3. Recognized Elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bangladesh Nominated by

UNESCO

3.1 Baul Song: Traditional song of Bangladesh

In 2008, UNESCO has declared a Bangladeshi song as an ICH, which is known as „Baul Song‟. In rural

Bangladesh, some mystic minstrels are living by singing devotional songs and they are known as „Baul‟. The

Baul‟s are first appeared in Bengali literature around 15th

century. The Baul songs has based on spiritual

liberation. They sing and dances with using a musical instrument named „ektara‟ (a single-stringed instrument);

some Baul‟s uses „dotara‟ (two-stringed instrument) and a drum named „dubki‟.

The lyrics of the Baul songs has based on contemporary relevance of rural Bangladesh. Some prominent Baul

singers are: Kari Amir Uddin Ahmed, Abdur Rahman Bayati, Shyam Sundar Baishnab, Shah Abdul Karim,

and Kangalini Sufia. Mazharul Islam writes in his book that, „most Baul songs have as their inner meaning the

playful and sweet relation that binds the creator to the created‟ [9].

Baul‟s are religiously, socially and mentally independent from any kind of boundaries. Baul‟s are not identified

with any religion or any caste system, or any temples or sacred places. Mimlu Sen wrote in his book named

„Baulsphere‟ that, „Baul belonged to a society conducted by Brahmins. And, in spite of all his singing against

caste and religious prejudice, in life, he often had to give in to the law‟ [10]. The mystic lives of Baul‟s are

admired by general people and even Rabindranath Tagore‟s (Nobel Prize laureate and National poet of India)

compositions had influenced by these Baul songs by their distinctive aesthetic qualities. An article of his on

Baul songs appeared in the Bharati in 1883 when Tagor was 22 years old. He said, later on, that his acquaintance

with Baul songs helped him to discover his own poetic gifts and to realize that he was a Baul [11]. However,

now a day, Baul singers are facing critical situation of sustainability.

3.2 Traditional Art of Jamdani Weaving: Traditional Handloom Product

The UNESCO inscribed the „Traditional art of Jamdani weaving‟ on the Representative List of the Intangible

Cultural Heritage of Humanity in the 8th

session which took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in December 2013 [12].

Jamdani is a surviving variety of Muslin group which are identifies as an ancient cloth of Bengali women and

characterized by geometric or floral designs. According to Pravina Shukla, this is Bengali Jamdani and home

district of this exclusive cloth was Dhaka in Bangladesh. The writer also said that, jamdani sari

has appreciated for the skill of the weaver, his hand-eye coordination in creating floating motifs that are evenly

spaced and steady in scale, distribution and design. A slight imperfection or „mistake‟, reminds the beholder that

this sari has made completely by hand, by a highly skilled human being which adds to appreciation‟ [13].

Usually Jamdani is refers for sari, but other types for cloth are also available which

has made from Jamdani; Salowar-Kamiz, Scarves, or Kurta etc. [14]. The Jamdani production has patronized by

Mughal emperors. Under British colonialism, the Bengali Jamdani and Muslin industries rapidly declined due to


colonial import policies which favoring industrially manufactured textiles. In recent years, production

of Jamdani has saw a revival in Bangladesh [15].

According the Chandra Shekhar Saha, a Bangladeshi textile expert, Jamdani is unique because it has distinctive

and consistent use of geometric patterns that inspired by Iranian motifs and opacity of the pattern woven into the

transparent base mesh together during the weaving process in such a way as to make the Jamdani look

supremely delicate, fine and beautiful. Though apparently the motifs used in Jamdani have an abstract look are

actually the creative and geometric transformations of nature‟s elements such as creepers, leaves, flowers,

animals etc. [16]. Although we have the nomination from UNESCO, we should have initiated a detailed research

on Jamdani‟s history, development, used motif as well as the Jamdani weaver‟s story. This traditional element as

well as the weaving site and method could be an asset of our cultural tourism sector also.

Fig. 2: Different types of Jamdani Motifs

Source: S.K Faisal Ahmed and Rifat Amin

3.3 Mongol Shovajatra on Pahela Baishakh: a vibrant and colorful procession

A unique element of our Bangladeshi culture named „Mangal Shobhajatra on Pahela Baishakh‟ has been

inscribed in UNESCO's „Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity‟ in 2016. Every year

students of Fine Arts Faculty, University of Dhaka are organizing a colorful procession which is known as

„Mongol Shovajatra‟ for celebrating Bengali New Year‟s Day. According to history, a community cultural

organization, „Charupith‟ initiated „Mangal Shobhjatra‟ in 1985 and this procession continues its popularity

among all Bangladeshi people. The festival has celebrated with processions, fairs with colorful indigenous items,

and get-together of family and friends. The procession showcasing the traditional themes and motifs carried by

local participants wearing traditional dresses spontaneously joining to celebrate the first day of Bengali New

Year [17].

„Mongol‟ means good wishing and „Shovajatra‟ means procession. Bengali New Years are known as „Pahela

Boishakh‟; „Pahela‟ means first and „Boishakh‟ is the first month of the Bengali calendar. This procession is a

part of celebrating the first day of Boishakh month and it is opens for public. With the sun rising of that special

day, the festival starts with Rabindranath Tagor‟s song at Ramna, nearby place of University of Dhaka,

organized by a prominent cultural organization named „Çhhayanout‟.

3.4 Traditional Art of Shitol Pati Weaving of Sylhet: Handcrafted mat

Traditional Art of „Shitol Pati‟ Weaving of Sylhet‟ is nominated by the Inter-Governmental Committee of ICH in


2017 [18]. „Shitol Pati‟ is a handicraft mat, made by weaving strips of the green cane locally known as „Murta‟

(Schumannianthus dichotomus) in city of Sylhet in northeastern Bangladesh. Sylhet region characterized by

river valleys and low-lying marshy land which offers a natural habitat for Murta plant, the basic raw material

for „Shitol Pati‟. Although Murta plant is the best, „Shitol Pati‟ could be made from bamboo, hogla, reed and

palm leave as well.

„Shitol Pati‟, literally meaning „cool mat‟, earned its name from the cold comfort it offers in the tropical weather

of Bangladesh. Visually it is a flat and rectangular sheet which could rolled up to put away. When spread on

floor or bed, its upper surface appears glossy and smooth while the inner surface is rough. The people all over

Bangladesh use it as sitting mat bedspreads or praying mat and size of „Shitol Pati‟ varies so. The techniques

of „Shitol Pati‟ weaving have transmitted through the families of crafts people, from mother to daughter and

father to son, thereby ensuring continuity of the craft from generation to generation. Traditionally made for

sitting or lying, but the use of good quality „Shitol Pati‟ in the interior decoration industry is increasing. The use

of the ethnic motif of „Shitol Pati‟ by top range fashion designers and book illustrators had enhanced the cultural

value of the element.

3.5 7– March Historic Address: great speech of the Father of Nation

The great „7-March speech‟ was nominated for enlisted in the „Memory of the World International Register‟

during IAC‟s meeting from 24 to 27 October 2017. The International Advisory Committee (IAC) is the peak

body to tell UNESCO on the planning and implementation of the choice program. This speech is one of the

memorable speeches that inspired history. It was a 19-minute speech that Father of Nation „Bangabandhu

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman‟ delivered and we believe that this speech has created a nation called „Bangladeshi‟.

Father of the Nation „Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman‟ invited the freedom-loving Bengalis on March-7

in 1971 in his fiery speech to wage a decisive struggle against the Pakistani rulers. It ignited the revolutionary

spirit of the people of Bangladesh and this spirit remained alive until we won independence on 16 December

1971. It is one of the 21 great speeches of the 20th

century [19]. This special Historic speech should nominate as

the „National Speech of the Father of Nation‟.

Graph 2: Category of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bangladesh

0

5

10

Nominated

ICH

Prospective

ICH

ICH Category


4. Proposed Item of Intangible Cultural Heritage to UNESCO

We have two proposed elements to UNESCO for nomination; that is „The Rickshaw and Rickshaw painting in

Dhaka‟ which proposed in 2014 and listed as on-going nomination for 2018 and „Nakhshi Kantha‟ which

proposed but denied for nomination.

4.1 The Rikshaw and Rikshaw Painting in Dhaka: a human-propelled transport

A file submitted to the UNESCO in the name „Rickshaws and rickshaw painting in Dhaka‟ for inscription in

Representative List. The file is pending by the intergovernmental committee (2014). The rickshaw, a

human-propelled transport on three wheels, is an outstanding feature of Dhaka city and another city of

Bangladesh. Rickshaw craftsmanship has been highly renowned for its traditional process of fashioning the

rickshaw by hand. Dhaka city‟s rickshaw painting is the most enthralling representation of transport art in the

world [20]. The word „rickshaw‟ originates from the three Japanese word „jinn‟ (human), „riki‟ (power or force)

and „sha‟ means vehicle. So, „jinrikisha‟ covered the meaning of human propelled transport. We can see

paintings on two portions in a rickshaw; on the plastic hood which used as a cover for passengers and on the

lower backboard. The theme for these paintings has diversified; story from religious myth, contemporary

cinema artist, daily social phenomenon, even image of foreign national figures is sometime painted in these

rickshaws. The rickshaw painting is a hereditary work in which master painter usually pass their knowledge and

skills to their pupils and close relatives.

In Bangladesh, rickshaw has introduced from Calcutta. It said that Rickshaw have reached Chattrogram from

Myanmar in 1919 but did not spread out to Dhaka and other cities of Bangladesh from Chattrogram. Around

1930, jute exporters from Europe lived in Narayanganj near Dhaka and Netrokona near Mymensingh district

who need some suitable transport for their easy movement and that times horse carriage, palanquins and

city-canal boats were their main transport. So, foreign exporters had first imported rickshaw from Calcutta in

1938 for their personal use which got much curiosity among the local people of Dhaka. In 1941, Dhaka city had

only 37 rickshaws and 181 rickshaws in 1947. Before 1947, Dhaka was a district town, which has a

population of 62,469 only according to 1951 census. But in 1998, the city's population grew over 8 million and

the number of registered rickshaws in the city was 112,572. The number of rickshaws in all other cities of

Bangladesh in that year was 274,265 and in all villages 91,040. It is a popular guess that the total number of

rickshaws in the city is at least two and a half times that of the registered ones and so, the city had at least

280,000 rickshaws in 2000 [21]. According to the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC), there are 79,554 licensed

rickshaws in Dhaka city. But the number of rickshaws has estimated 1.1 million [22].

4.2 Nakhshi Kantha: Embroidered Quilt: „Nakhshi Kantha‟ is the traditional handicraft of our country. Bengali

word „nakshi‟ means design. In village, it is most commonly done with old cloth and threads, although new

cotton and silk cloth are using for embroidery in present days. The details of the embroidery work are very

intricate and each piece can take months to work on depending on the size. The History

of „Nakshi Kantha‟ has rooted in our history and culture. The origin of folk art is almost lost and even after

repeated search we could not set up the exact life of a particular „Kantha‟ kept in different Museums [23].


Women are making this from generation to generation by their magical hand with high imagination and it is

closely related with our culture, marriage ceremony, and affection for the new-born, prosperity, happiness,

sorrows, beauty of nature and village lifestyle. There are different sizes based on need like single, double, king

size. The design is now crossed its border and is using in the fashion world designing, urban and international

market and fashion show in female sarees and dresses, mats, ornaments, bed cover, photo frame etc. like

embroidered appliqué silk saree, wax dye and hand painted cloths. Unfortunately, due to the lack of proper

presentation as an ICH, this wonderful creation of our village women did not get inscription from

UNESCO. „Nakshi Kantha‟ can get UNESCO inscription if it has included in the national inventory and be

submitted properly by ICH expert.

Fig. 3: A women artist is busy with Nakhshi Kantha weaving

Source: Kazi Nasrin Siddiqa

5. Feasible Item for Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bangladesh

5.1 Traditional Art of Painting: Our Bangladeshi cultural has enriched with variety of painted and decorated

elements. Lists of Bangladeshi traditional painted items are present in the Table 1.

Table 1: Traditional Art of Painting in Bangladesh

Category Item name Place of popularity Flourishing era

Painted vase Sakher Hadi

Basantapur, Rajshahi district,

Dhaka, Sonargaon at

Narayanganj distric

Approximately 800 years

old

Ritual painted motif Alpana Common in all district Pre-Aryan period

(c. 1500-1200 BCE)

Hanging scroll with

Painted motifs Pata Painting

Dhaka, Noakhali, Mymensingh,

Rajshahi and Munshiganj

12th

century-late 19th

century


5.1a Sakher Hadi: This colorful living tradition of Bangladesh is one kind of traditional earthen pot

called „Sakher hadi‟ at Basantapur in Rajshahi district in the northern part of Bangladesh. This unique item of

our culture has used for wedding and other festive occasions. The „Sakher hadi‟ has painted in red, blue, green

and black on yellow-colored pots. It has painted with the image of fish, combs, mirrors, birds, half-blossomed

lotus, daldam (a kind of aquatic grass) and floral creepers. The traditional art of painting the „Sakher hadi‟ is

highly traditional, being handed down from generation to generation for many centuries. Bangladesh is a

country of religious coalescence and we are enjoying many religious festive all over the year. The „sakher hadi‟

has sold mostly on the occasions of religious festivals like Rathajatra (Hindu festive), Durga Puja (Hindu

festive), Eid-ul-Fitr (Muslim festive), Eid ul-Azha (Muslim festive), and Muharram (Muslim Shia festive).

Detailed work could help this element for inclusion in the national inventory and inscription by UNESCO in

future.

Fig. 4: The „Sakher hadi‟, Source: Kazi Nasrin Siddiqa

5.1b Alpana: „Alpana‟ is a kind of painting or motif of folk art especially Hindu women folk who decorated

yard of houses and walls with their religious and social imagination. In Bangladesh at present Muslims also

draw „Alpana‟ on different occasions such as marriage ceremony and other sociocultural and religious festivals.

Bangladeshi women are also draw „Alpana‟ in their hand in different festivals. Every year, the Shaheed Minar in

Dhaka and roads leading to it has decorated with „Alpana‟ paintings which is the part of the memory of our

International Mother Language Day on 21 February. Though „Alpana‟ is the culture of Hindu religion and

culture of other countries like India, Nepal but we have already achieved some unique purpose of this design; on

the eve of Bangla New Year 1419 (2012), five eminent artists coordinated the 350,000 square feet motif

(World‟s largest) representing the folk culture of Bangladesh. The inclusion of „Alpana‟ art in the national

inventory will help in preservation of this traditional art.

5.1c Pattachrita: Pata Painting or „pattachitra‟ a traditional art form of scroll painting, characterized by religious

and social motifs and imageries. The word „pata‟ has derived from the Sanskrit word „patta‟ which means „piece

of cloth‟. Pata or „pot‟ as pronounced in Bengali means a woven surface, a paper or wooden panel on which

painting has done. The artists who do this kind of works are popularly known as „patua‟; but they are also


known as „chitrakar‟, which literary means picture makers [24]. This traditional element has originated and

being active from 12th

century to late 19th

century and gained popularity in Bangladesh and India. In Bangladesh,

one very famous pata painting named „Gazir Pata‟ is very traditional and Shudir Acharya of Mun'shiganj district

was a noted „patua‟ for Gazir pata. As many of the pata artist have shifted to other lucrative professions and this

traditional art faced a prominent threat from the growing urbanization so proper care of preservation is essential.

5.2 Traditional Art of Lost-Wax casting in imagery at Dhamrai in Dhaka

The traditional art of Metal casting by lost-wax method at Dhamrai area celebrates the diversity and unity of

creativity in modern Bangladesh. This tradition goes back to the Pala Dynasty dated 800-1100 century and

became extinct in the early thirteenth 13th

century and revived in the 16th

century but did not flourished in the

territory of present Bangladesh that time.

The revival of this ICH in present Bangladesh is a fascinating story. After the Independence of Bangladesh in

1971, an energetic young Muslim of Dhamrai area realized that the Bengalis, having attained their freedom,

would become more conscious of their heritage in art and culture in the secular atmosphere of the new-born

country. His name was Musharraf Hussain. Musharraf thought of creating such icons as would be worthy of

collection by art lovers. Svaksmi Gopal Bonik, a Hindu man, became his partner. These two men, a Muslim and

a Hindu, turned Dhamrai area into a prolific center of Metal sculpture by producing Hindu, Buddhist and Jain

images based on the mythological traditions. They preferred to create works to imitation of Pala metal

sculptures illustrated in published books [25]. We should immediately register this cultural element in the

national inventory of ICH and inscription by UNESCO will contribute to the preservation and development of

the art work as well as the artist.

5.3 Traditional Art of Weaving

5.3a Nakshi Pakha: traditional „Nakshi Pakha‟ is a decorative hand fan usually made by village women with

natural materials like bamboo, cane, palm leaves, sponge wood, and flax colorful shares (for making

boarders) and painted attractively with colorful designs. To decorate the „Nakshi Pakha‟, a variety of natural and

geometric motifs has used. Famous folklore sentences are also added for extra attraction. In summer time, this

item has gained its demand. This traditional element could include in the national inventory for immediate

safeguarding as one of our prospective ICH.

5.3b Sataranji: „Sataranji‟ is a special hand-loomed and woven product from Rangpur region that has been a

very unique handicraft of Bangladesh. Because of low benefit, lack of raw materials, transport facility problem,

paucity of capital etc. is the main causes that „Sataranji‟ artists are leaving this occupation. This type of

handicraft has no institutional framework and done only by experienced person. This very attractive and colorful

handicraft is also used to make seat cover, bed sheet and wall mat for interior decoration of houses or even

extra-large sizes has produced to cover a place of big public gathering to hold meeting or music festivals. This

tradition of „Sataranji‟ weaving has started before mid-19th

century. Local information said that Rangpur was a

leading weaving center during the Mughul period. In present days, „Sataranji‟ has used to make from manifold

creative product like ladies‟ bag, coin purse, and table mat. In order to develop and promote this folk craft, the

government is undertaking a project to set a „Sataranji Village‟. The Government will invest around 10 million


Taka to set up the village, which will include 116 weaver families from Nishbetganj area [26].

The socio-economic standard of the „Sataranji‟ workers can increase if we can place this item as an important

asset of our ICH by considering its weaving pattern and tradition. As well as, if the government give help to

solve the capital and raw material problem, then this prospectus cultural item could be an asset.

5.4 Traditional Festivals

In Bangladesh, we used a common saying that Bangladeshi‟s have celebrated 13 festivals in 12 months

(baro mashe tero parbon). Festivals have always linked with the socio-economic development of the country

because purchasing capacity are rising gradually. Lists of Bangladeshi festivals which have celebrated with

national holiday (except indigenous and non-indigenous) are present in the Table 2.

Table 2: List of Traditional Festivals of Bangladesh

Festive

Category Festive Name Celebrate season/day Type of Occasion

Religious

Muslim

festivals

Eid-ul-Fitr On the 1

st day of Shawwal month

of the lunar Islamic calendar. Festival of breaking the fast.

Eid-ul Azha On the 10

th day of Dhu al-Hijjah

month of the Islamic calendar. Festival of the sacrifice.

Ahura On the 10

th day of Muharram in

the Islamic calendar.

ritual for Husayn ibn Ali, the

grandson of the last prophet

Muhammad, was martyred in the

Battle of Karbala.

Eid-e-Meeladun

- Nabi The Birth of the last Prophet.

12th

Rabi‟al-awwal, the 3rd

month in the Islamic Calendar.

Shah-e-Baraat

On the night between 14 and 15

Sha‟ban-the 8th

months of Islamic

calendar.

When Allah may forgive sinners.

Hindu

festivals

Durga Puja

On the month of

September-October in the

Gregorian Calendar.

Pays homage to the Hindu

goddess Durga.

Krishna

Janmashtami

August/September of the

Gregorian Calendar.

Celebration of the birth of Hindu

deity Krishna.

Kali Puja New moon day of the Bengali

month Kartik.

Dedicated to the Hindu goddess

Kali.

Saraswati Puja

On the 5th

day of the Hindu

luni-solar calendar month of

Magha, or late January or

February of the Gregorian

Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati

who is the deity of knowledge,

language, music and all arts.


calendar.

Christian

festivals Charismas Day

On 25 December of the Gregorian

calendar Birth of Jesus Christ.

Buddhist

festivals

Buddha

Purnima

On the month of April or May of

the Gregorian calendar

Birth of the Prince Siddhartha

Gautama.

National

International Mother

Language Day/Shahid

Dibosh/ Martyrs Day

21st February

To commemorate Bengali

Language movement and the

martyrs of the movement on 21

February every year.

Victory Day

16

th December

To commemorate the victory of

Bangladeshi people over the

Pakistani forces.

Independence Day

25

th March

Declaration of Independence

from Pakistan.

Martyred Intellectual Day 14th

December

To commemorate the

intellectuals who were killed by

Pakistani forces and their

collaborators during the 1971

Liberation War.

Indigenous

Pohela Falgun

On the 1st day of Bengali calendar

(Usually falls on the 13th

February

of Gregorian Calendar).

Celebrated with colorful dress

specially Saree and traditional

snakes.

Borsho Boron in Pohela

Baishakh

On the 1st day of the Bengali

calendar and summer festival.

To commemorate the indigenous

heritage of Bangladeshi people,

this festival is celebrated with

colorful procession, singing, fairs

with traditional food.

Nabanna Utshab

On the first day of the Agrahayan

(Bengali month) the first day of

harvesting.

Celebrated with traditional

dance, local cuisine, and music.

Boi-sa-bi New year festival

Three/five days colorful

celebration with new dress,

special vegetable dish

preparation, playing traditional

games etc.

Non-

indigenous Valentine day

On the month of February, day 14,

of the Gregorian calendar.

To commemorate the affection of

love, sincerity, dignity and faith,

it celebrates especially among the

young generation.


Book Fair of International

Mother Language Day or

Omor Ekushe Granthamela

On the whole month of February

of the Gregorian calendar.

National book fair of

Bangladesh.

Some festivals mentioned in this list have possessed very special features that should place in the national

inventory for future preservation. These proposed elements are:

5.4a Nabanno Utshab: „Naba‟ meaning new and „Anna‟ means grain, so it is the theme of new grain festive to

make sure good crop and healthy cattle. We have many other festivals which have linkage with harvesting.

Celebration of this festival in different areas and ethnic groups should show and research work could be

performed on it; which help these festivals to inclusion in the national inventory of ICH.

Table 3: Harvesting related tribal festivals of Bangladesh

Festive name Ethnic group Related religion Celebrating place in Bangladesh Celebrating

season

Soharay Santals Worship of

Marang Buru Rajshahi Winter

Mailukma Usui/Uchoi Buddhist Bandarbon, Rangamati Winter

Wangalla &

Agalmaka Garo Christian

Tangail, Jamalpur, Sherpur,

Mymensingh, Netrokona,

Sunamganj, Sylher, and Gazipur

Winter

Chhiachhat

–ply

Mru/Mrucha/

Murong

Theravada

Buddhism Chattrogram hill tracts

December-

February

5.4b Boi-Sa-Bi: A Traditional Festival of Indigenous people:

It is a New Year festival organized by the tribal community of Chattrogram hill tracts of Bangladesh. One of the

joyous displays of the mosaic diversity of Chattrogram is the colorful three days festival named „Boi-Sa-Bi‟.

The word „Boisabi‟ is acronyms from various tribal festivals; such as, Tripura tribe called this festival as

„Boishuk‟; Marma tribe called it „Sangrai‟; and Chakma tribe named it „Biju‟. All the tribal groups have their

own cultural heritage and each and every part of their festival should consider as the intangible cultural heritage

and need proper initiative for safeguarding before extinction [27].

5.4c Borsho Boron in Pohela Baishakh: literally means „Celebrating the first day of Bengali New Year‟. This

tradition had started in the year 1967 and except 1971 followed in every year to celebrate the Bengali New

Year. „Pohela Baishakh‟ has celebrated with grandeur and colors in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh. The

celebration started with Rabindranath Tagore‟s song „Esho he Baishakh‟ (welcome the first month of Bengali

New Year) by a leading Music Institute „Chhayanout‟. This festive could gain a new momentum if this

has included in the ICH national inventory of Bangladesh.

5.4d Mother Language Day or Omor Ekushe: Literally means the day of February 21 of every year. „Ekushe‟

or February 21 is a memorable day for Bangladeshi Nation. This special day has celebrated every year in the


memory of Bengali language movement of 1952. Shaheed Minar is a monument dedicated to the martyrs of

the Bangla Language Movement which reached its climax on 21 February 1952. There is no other nation like

Bangladeshi people who has dedicated their lives for language. The inclusion of this event in the national

inventory of ICH or nominated by UNESCO as a Bangladeshi ICH will definitely promote our cultural

diversity.

5.4e Book Fair of International Mother Language Day or Omor Ekushe Granthamela:

‘Omor Ekushe Granthamela‟ is a month-long event that lasts until the last day of February every year. The

hallmarks of „Omor Ekushe Granthamela‟ are quite visible: a) it is a celebration of the nation‟s talented,

imaginative and creative writing community; b) the publishers are the exhibitors of a wide range of books; c) the

venue, which is at the heart of Dhaka city, wears a dazzling look; d) the entire venue is free from smoking

and polythene; e) access to „Omor Ekushe Granthamela‟ is free. „Omor Ekushe Granthamela‟ began in February

1973 and the original name of the book fair was „Boimela‟. Since then, this book fair, (longest in the world), has

become one of the most noticeable expressions of the post-1971 cultural awakening [28]. Its significance in the

context of Ekushe is so imperative that it has now been called „Omor Ekushe Granthamela‟. This very special

book fair of Bangladesh should place in the list of UNESCO world heritage list.

5.4f Victory Day in Dhaka: On 16 December 1971, the Pakistan Armed forces surrendered at Dhaka after a

9-month War of Liberation. The „16 December‟ thus became Victory Day of Bangladesh [29]. Every year we

celebrate that „16 December‟ with honor in our National Memorial at Savar near capital Dhaka. This very

special day should take place in the national inventory and /or inscription by UNESCO as an ICH of Bangladesh.

If this element could include in the UNESCO list, then it will give to the strong presence as a national event and

will raise awareness of its importance at the local, national and international levels.

Fig. 5: Celebrating Victory Day at National Memorial at Savar

5.5 Traditional designed food: Like our colorful festival, we have some exclusive foods and related places

where those foods are exhibited for sale. In this paper only few elements of designed food have discussed and

some very special items has listed in a table 4.

5.5a Iftar of Chawk Bazar, Old Dhaka: The month of fasting, holy Ramadan observes passionately by the

people of Bangladesh. „Iftar‟ means the evening meal with which the Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at

sunset. The age-old Chawk Bazar area of old Dhaka is the Iftar hub and people from all parts of the city come

here to bought the delicious „iftar‟ for their Ramadan fasting. This food zone offers Ramadan special delicious

food which arrived by the Nawab of Dhaka during the British Era. These specialists have learnt recipes from


their ancestors and are continuing generation after generation and now a part of our very old tradition with

wonderful believe and feelings.

5.5b Panta-Elish of Pohela Boishakh: Traditional food item of different countries have enlisted on the list of the

UNESCO ICH. „The Mediterranean diet‟, „the traditional Mexican cuisine‟ and the Japanese dietary culture of

„Washoku‟ are just some examples of this ICH list [30]. One of the traditional food items of Bengali New Year is

„Panta-Elish of Pohela Boishakh‟ which could be also enlisted as an ICH item. Early in the morning

of Pohela Boishakh or first day of Bengali New year, people usually attend the „Mongol Shovajatra‟ wearing

traditional dresses. People also enjoy the music festival arranged by „Chaayanout‟, and have the dish called „Panta

Elish‟ as their lunch. „Panta Elish‟ is a kind of dish with soft rice and hilsa fish with fried vegetable, smashed

potato, lemon, chili and raw onion. This food item and the serving style could be identified as Bengali traditional

culture so that it could gain more popularity.

5.5c Nakshi Pitha: Decorative cakes, named „Nakshi Pitha‟ are made by shaping pounded rice dough into

various designs. Traditional motifs for „Nakshi Pitha‟ are geometric patterns, wheels, betel leaf, flowers in

bloom, fish, birds etc. „Nakshi Pitha‟ are more popular in Dhaka and Mymensingh and are especially made for

guests at weddings [31].

5.5d Bakarkhani: For 400 years, old Dhaka has been a significant center for „Bakarkhani‟, which enriches the

cuisine of Dhaka. „Bakarkhani‟ is one kind of thick bread sweet with crispy texture. Layered, thin and crispy, it

is almost biscuit-like with a hard crust and it melts in the mouth with each bite. The making of „Bakarkhani‟

needs time and patience. The traditional knowledge and artistry related to „Bakarkhani‟ making have transmitted

from generation to generation. Like this item, there is also another traditional food item in Armenia named

„Lavash‟, nominated as ICH in 2014. So, inclusion of „Bakarkhani‟ in the national inventory and/or inscription

by UNESCO will definitely strengthen the heritage of old Dhaka and will have an impact on the bearers and

practitioners who use their traditional knowledge and skills as an example of their social and cultural identity.

Table 4: Some prospective Food items for the national inventory as ICH

Name of Food Region Specialty

Kotkoti Mahasthangarh, Bogura district 150 years old heritage sweet snacks

Kacha Golla Natore 150 years old heritage sweetmeat

Padmar Elish Districts beside the river Padma Unique taste

Panta-Elish Traditional food both popular in city

and village

Delicious in taste and unique in

decoration

Rashmalai Cumilla Unique recipe and taste

Doi (Sweet Curd) Sherpur, Bogura 100 years old food

Satkara (Citrus

macroptera) Sylhet Eaten as a vegetable with beef


Jamai Pitha Cumilla Special design served for new bride

and groom

Hazir Biriyani old Dhaka Historic recipe & traditional taste

5.6 Traditional Entertainment: From the ancient time, we have possessed many interesting game, myth

and theater as an entertainment and those are in vulnerable condition at present. A list of vulnerable

items which could be nominated as ICH of Bangladesh has presented in the Table 5.

Table 5: List of prospective Traditional Entertainment for the national inventory as ICH

Category Name & Place of popularity Nature of Entertainment

Entertainment

Lathi Khela (Stick fight), Kushtia district Traditional martial art, Two person‟s

stick game

Jobbarer Boli Khela, Chattrogram district 150 years old traditional form of

wrestling

Nouka Baich (boat race), Mymensingh, Pabna and

Dhaka is famous for Straight-back narrow timber

boats sport, Sarangi type boat is common in

Sylhet, Cumilla and Brahmonbaria; Sampan is

common in Chattrogram, Cox‟s Bazar, Feni and

Noakhali

200 years old traditional dragon-boat

style rowing sport, consist of 7-100

person.

Puthi Path, (ancient manuscript reciting), written

in Bengali script (Sylheti Nagari, Devanagari and

Arabic script).

Constructive entertainment and

educational theme.

Jatra Pala, famous in Barisal district; although it‟s

performed in other cities also.

350 years old folk drama combined of

acting, song, dance and music. The use

of loud noises and lights features a

dramatic presentation on the giant stage.

Traditional Bioscope, in different cities. It is a projector used for showing picture

films.

5.6a Lathi Khela or stick fighting: A famous traditional stick fighting practiced in village area of Bangladesh

especially in Kushtia district. The number of women players is also increasing now besides male. But day by

day, young generation is losing interest in this traditional game. To avoid extinction of this own heritage of ours

and for further promotion, necessary step should take.

5.6b Nouka Baich or Boat Race: This element is one of the most traditional forms of Bangladeshi entertainment

sector. There are some rules for this boat race festival; such as, the competition should consist of 25 - 100

members in each team and motor engine boats have prohibited. An interesting point should mention that in every

boat there has a leader who has to continuously sing songs and rhymes to motivate the team. Normally these races


are held in big river channels and nearby villagers take part for the pride of their own areas. This local

entertainment or traditional item could raise our cultural tourism value. The only work to do is raising

awareness about traditional value and national identity.

Fig. 6: Nouka Baich or Boat Race in Bangladesh

5.6c Puthi Path: reading of old Bangla manuscript: A senior person read „Puthi‟ for his audience who are fond

of listening to mythological fairy story and the reader‟s mystic voice of storytelling. Sometimes these stories

could be based on rural village events which convey the lesson of education. The pages of a „Puthi‟ could be

leaves, sheets of wood or old papers. Usually, they have written on one side and wrapped with a string. It is an

emblematic representation of our social life that connects people with their existing traditions and still recites

with the same fervor. Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad had a special research interest in Muslim contribution

to Bengali Literature in the medieval period. He collected „Puthi‟s. The Bangiya Sahitya Parisad (Bengali

Literature Institute) published his catalog of Bengali manuscripts titled „Bangala Prachin Puthir Bivaran‟ in two

volumes in 1920-21. The Bengali Department of the University of Dhaka published a catalog of the manuscripts

preserved in the University Library under the title „Puthi Parichiti‟ [32]. After his work we have not taken any

other initiative to research on it but it is the time to save „Puthi‟ Path as our own cultural heritage. Just

like „Puthi‟, there is an element in Lebanese folk poetry, named „Zajal‟ which was inscribed on the list

of UNESCO in 2014.

5.6d Jatra Pala: folk theater: ‘Jatra‟ is an open-air folk theater based on ancient epics and current sociopolitical

as well as an important form of entertainment, especially in rural society in the not-too-distant past. There are

acts, songs, dances and comic displays in a „Jatra‟ performance. Normally, a „Jatra troupe‟ consists of 50-60

persons, including actors and actresses, dancers, singers, musicians, technicians, managers, cooks, servants etc.

Generally, „Jatra troupes‟ rehearse from the month of July to September and travel from place to place on a

Hindu festival called „Durga Puja‟ [33].

Due to the easy access to other forms of modern entertainment, „Jatra‟ performers have become almost jobless

now a days. Government, in recent times, has been patronizing some of this folk art to propagate social

awareness, especially family planning themes [34]. If „Jatra‟ could place in the national inventory of ICH and

given much attention the performers will get a platform to keep their virtues alive and can transmitted the

knowledge and skills to the next generations. This element has placed in the UNESCO for the inscription

(Jatra traditional performing arts 2015) but due to lack of proper field-work, research and expertise in writing the

proposal, „Jatra‟ was failed to get nomination. If it has submitted with proper research and following ICH expert


recommendations, then this valuable stage play will be able to get inscription from UNESCO and this precious

form of rural entertainment could be safeguarded.

5.6e Traditional Bioscope: It can call „travelling movie theatre‟. A Bioscope man has operated his collection of

photos; such as, famous places of the world, beautiful flowers, religious monument, scenery of Dhaka, movie

actor and actress, and many other photos. When there was no or very limited entertainment of television and

cinema, Bioscope was a very huge source of entertainment for children. Pictures come one after another and by

seeing through the pockets 4 to 5 children can enjoy the short show of still photo movie. Due to the easy access

of lots of entertainment devices now-a-days, Bioscope is going extinct. If this part has included in the national

inventory of ICH, it will be safeguarded and the tradition will stay alive.

5.7 Traditional Songs:

The folk music is the identity of our indigenous taste, which is blended with the philosophy of the society; from

upper class aristocrat society to general village people. One of our folk song, „Baul‟ is nominated for the

Representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Its subgenre is known as „Lalon geeti‟. There are

variety of folk songs composed by our Bengali composer; some renowned composers are, Lalon

Shah, Hason Raja, Kangal Harinath, Romesh Shill, Abbas Uddin, Shah Abdul Karim, Abdur Rahman Boyati,

Sufi Shadhok Saidur Rahman Boyati and many unknown anonymous lyricists. It‟s true that, we haven't had the

pleasure to listening original singers, because the folk songs have deformed from its state. Late

legend Abbasuddin Ahmed, the king of folk songs -- collected many songs, brought them to Calcutta and

convinced HMV to record them, about 60 years ago. There was a time during the 1950s and 1960s when folk

music festivals were held every year in Dhaka for several days and original folk songs were presented by

the singers who came from different parts of the country. Folk singers have naturally fallen on hard days while

folk songs are sidelined by the electronic media and rarely presented on prime time [35]. In recent time, the folk

songs are gaining popularity among the young generation and rising the intension for preservation of the

original songs.

Table 6: Some special prospective traditional folk song to include in national inventory as ICH

Song type Region Specialty

Bhawaiya Northern Bangladesh Spiritual as well as human relation of love.

Bhatiyali Mymensingh and Sylhet Navigational song

Bhandari Chattogram Devotional song

Murshidi Nearly all regions of Bangladesh Religious/ devotional folk song

Jari gaan Mymensingh Musical battle between two group which related

with legends of Muslim heroes.

Sari gaan South-eastern lowlands of Bangladesh/locally

known as Bhati area Lower Marshy land of Sylhet & Mymensingh

Pala gaan Jenaidah Story telling through songs to raise awareness on

social issues

Dhamail Sylhet region Women folk song/playing during marriage


ceremony

Gazir gaan Faridpur, Noakhali, Chattrogram, Sylhet Performed for blessing received or wished for.

Gombhira Chapai Nawabganj

Discussing a topic to raise social awareness; for

example, negative effect of teenage marriage,

Family planning issues, local superstitions etc.

Dhuya Gaan Faridpur, Pabana, Jessore, Dhaka Mysterious theme, human body mystery, social

injustice.

Graph 2: Prospective ICH of Bangladesh

6. Steps for Conserving Intangible Cultural Heritage

This paper is trying to document the inscribed, proposed and prospective Intangible Cultural Heritage of

Bangladesh in terms of regional history and social transformation. Beside of this, if UNESCO nominated an

Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) then a good reflection on the cultural and tourism industry can visible, and a

significant economic development in that respected area can be rise. Many of our traditional and religious

festivals could be nominated as Intangible Cultural heritage as those are celebration of unity as well as the

symbol of brotherhood and strong relation of Bangladeshi people.

There are three criteria where ICH could nominate by UNESCO; (a) List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in

Need of Urgent Safeguarding; (b) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity; (c)

Register of Good Safeguarding Practices [36]. At present we have 4 items which has nominated in the

Representation List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. But we have many ICH items which are in

vulnerable condition due to proper support and general consideration. Many of our traditional songs are now in

the way of extinction; Jari- Sari- Bhatiali, Bhawaiya, Kavigaan, Murshidi, Marfati, Ghambhira and many more.

These traditional songs could be saved by nominate them on the „List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of

Urgent Safeguarding‟. Proper research and an informative proposal for nomination are necessary in this regard.

Some social festivals and commemorative day have possessed a special emotion in our Bangladeshi culture;


„Mother Language Day‟ or „Omor Ekushe‟, „Victory Day‟, and „Panta-Elish of Pohela Boishakh‟, these three

components could be enlisted in the „Register of Good Safeguarding Practices‟. Our Mother Language Day or

Omor Ekushe has a glorious history of 66 years which we celebrate every year with proper respect and tearful

remembrance. We celebrate the Victory Day of our Independence War for last 50 years with joy as well as tears.

The Bangladeshi people are very friendly and harmonious attitude; which motivate them to attend in the New

Year festival including „Panta-Elish of Pohela Boishakh‟. This cultural trend should enlist as a Register of good

safeguarding Practices.

Each and every ICH handed down by one generation to the next and ultimately become an unparalleled, highly

valuable asset for all. We should think seriously about our skills, crafts, values, language, tradition, knowledge

and need to recognize the importance. Some steps that should take for safeguarding our rich cultural heritage are

state below:

1. We should promote our workforce and technical knowledge about ICH.

2. We should open an academic Institution as Director General of Bangla Academy proposed to make a

separate „department of folklore and ICH‟ at the institute of Fine Arts of University of Dhaka. As a

result, our students can gather basic knowledge of ICH and its safeguarding.

3. A strong committee should form with experts of all related sides and with Ministry and UNESCO

Commission.

4. For any particular heritage local experts, practitioners and bearers should involved to

get correct information and to understand real history and cultural practice. Extensive field

work needed on all ICH to confirm their cultural identity in country and global perspective. For

Example, due to its importance, 7-March Historic Speech should include in our national curriculum so

that our students of younger generation could understand this historic speech and realize the

vibrant sprit of the Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

5. A List of ICH in „Need of Urgent Safeguarding‟ should prepare immediately, so that inscription of such

heritage on the List could propose in near future.

6. A List of our ICH should publish as a Register of good safeguarding Practices and this could be a

proposal for UNESCO nomination in near future.

7. Proper presentation and respect for cultural heritage of any locality is very important for increasing

scope and richness in future.

8. Elements or properties that can considered as prospective heritage should focused in presentation and

public exhibition.

9. A proper inventory list of ICH is mandatory now from Cultural Ministry along with a national

committee.

10. We need urgent safeguarding of the traditional songs as soon as possible. At present, “Song Copyright

patent‟‟ is a must do the project for our traditional songs. By this process we could earn a good amount of

money also. Now a day, melody of „Lalon giti‟ and „Baul Gaan‟ can be found in many western fusion

songs. We could not able to secure these song originalities without Copyright patent.


11. Careful attention of all the cultural features, nature and current conditions of properties will be required

to preserve and promotion of our ICH. For the protection and promotion of ICH, those should assign as

Cultural Properties by the experts and administrators.

12. Independent Administrative Institution, Research Institute and cell can form and we can seek help from

Japan as Japan took the first initiative for their Intangible Cultural Heritage. We can take help from

other foreign experts and institutions and directly from UNESCO for the support for research,

workshop, training, exhibition, presentation and promotion.

13. Intergenerational sharing is a strong tool for safeguarding ICH. Communities can take measure to

connect cultural leaders with youth for sharing and practicing values and customs.

In this way people of all ages and races will be aware of safeguarding it as a duty. A nice bonding should keep up

with other nations to recognize our heritage globally. All of the ICH may not recognize internationally or

UNESCO, even those should protect and promote locally for the sake of our future generation. Classes and

co-curricular activities on traditional heritage and culture can introduced interestingly for the school students. We

have to keep it in mind that ICH always faces challenges and obstacles by industrial changes, diversification of

values and lack of aesthetic thinking. For that reason, proper protection measure could take in time based on good

practices found in the rest of the world.

7. Conclusion

The primary focus of this research paper is to find some very special Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bangladesh

as well as raise perception for urgent safeguarding of some of those heritages. This paper also suggested some

ways by which our Intangible Cultural Heritages could survive for the future generation. The collected data from

secondary source was analysis and reached a conclusion that, promotion of skilled workers, a proper inventory of

Bangladeshi ICH, Copyright patent of some of the items; a separate institute for cultural heritage research as well

as awareness of ICH safeguarding in governmental sector and public realm could help to survive our ICH. The

main purpose of the research is to create a platform for nominate some prominent element as „Intangible cultural

heritage‟ of Bangladesh which has based on concrete evidence of historical facts and cultural identity in the

history of Sub-continent as well as prepare an authentic document for future research. We should aware of our

historical roots and create a connection between our older citizen and younger generations. We can promote the

values of our Intangible Cultural Heritage by celebrating ICH with ceremonies and festivals, passing knowledge

and skills from tradition bearers to descendants, encouraging for further development and exploring the potential

of ICH as a resource.


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INFO:-

Corresponding Author: Dilruba Sharmin, Assistant Professor, Department of Japanese Studies, University of

Dhaka, Bangladesh.

How to cite this article: Dilruba Sharmin, Elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bangladesh and Steps

for Future Safeguarding, Asian. Jour. Social. Scie. Mgmt. Tech. 3(2): 07-30, 2021.

http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Pata_Painting

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